Separate vs Separately: Meaning And Differences

Separate vs separately – which one is the correct word to use? It’s a common question that many people ask, and the answer is not as straightforward as you might think. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words and when to use each one.

Let’s define what each word means. Separate is an adjective that means to be apart or divided from something else. For example, “The two rooms are separate from each other.” Separately, on the other hand, is an adverb that means to do something individually or distinctly. For example, “The dishes were washed separately.”

So, which one is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. If you are talking about something that is divided or apart from something else, then you should use separate. If you are talking about doing something individually or distinctly, then you should use separately.

In the rest of this article, we’ll explore some common examples of when to use each word, as well as some tricky situations where people often get confused.

Define Separate

The word separate is an adjective that means “not joined or united; existing or happening independently or in isolation”. It can also be used as a verb, meaning “to cause to move or be apart; to divide into constituent or distinct elements”.

For example, “The two rooms were separate from each other, with a wall dividing them” or “She decided to separate the laundry into whites and colors before washing.”

Define Separately

The word separately is an adverb that means “in a separate manner; individually or distinctly”. It is often used to describe actions or things that are done or considered one at a time, rather than together or as a group.

For example, “The items were packaged separately to avoid damage during shipping” or “Each student was asked to complete the test separately, without talking to their classmates.”

Comparison Table: Separate vs Separately

Separate	Separately
Adjective or verb	Adverb
Describes things that are not joined or united	Describes actions or things that are done or considered one at a time
Can be used to mean “divide into distinct elements”
	Often used to describe packaging or completing tasks individually

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the correct words in a sentence can make a significant difference in the clarity and precision of your communication. In this section, we will explore the proper usage of the words “separate” and “separately.”

How To Use “Separate” In A Sentence

“Separate” is an adjective that means to be apart from one another or to be distinct. It can also be used as a verb to indicate the act of dividing or disconnecting something.

Here are some examples of how to use “separate” in a sentence:

• The two sisters have separate bedrooms.
• Please separate the laundry into whites and colors.
• He keeps his personal and professional lives separate.

When using “separate” as a verb, it is important to note that it is often followed by the preposition “from.” For example:

• The teacher separated the fighting students from each other.
• She separated the egg yolks from the whites.

How To Use “Separately” In A Sentence

“Separately” is an adverb that means to do something one at a time or to be considered individually. It is used to indicate that things are not combined or done together.

Here are some examples of how to use “separately” in a sentence:

• The dishes should be washed separately to avoid cross-contamination.
• The twins were born separately, several minutes apart.
• The items were priced separately, not as a bundle.

It is important to note that “separately” is often used in conjunction with another verb, such as “priced” or “washed,” to indicate that the action is being done in a separate or individual manner.

Overall, understanding the proper usage of “separate” and “separately” can help to ensure that your writing and communication are clear and precise.

More Examples Of Separate & Separately Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use “separate” and “separately” in sentences. These examples will help you understand the proper usage of these words and avoid any confusion.

Examples Of Using “Separate” In A Sentence

• She keeps her work and personal life separate.
• The company has separate departments for sales and marketing.
• The twins have separate bedrooms.
• He wants to separate himself from his family’s business.
• The judge ordered a separate trial for each defendant.
• We need to separate the recyclables from the trash.
• The artist used separate colors to create the painting.
• She filed for a separate tax return this year.
• The two incidents are separate and unrelated.
• He asked for a separate check for his meal.

Examples Of Using “Separately” In A Sentence

• The items are sold separately.
• She interviewed each candidate separately.
• The tasks should be completed separately.
• The company handles each department’s budget separately.
• They arrived separately to the party.
• The teacher graded each question separately.
• The ingredients should be mixed separately.
• He signed each document separately.
• The events will be held separately.
• The two issues should be discussed separately.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using separate and separately, many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this can lead to confusion and misunderstandings in communication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Separate” When “Separately” Is Needed

One common mistake is using “separate” when “separately” is actually needed. For example:

• Incorrect: The ingredients should be mixed in separate bowls.
• Correct: The ingredients should be mixed in separate bowls separately.

In this example, “separate” is an adjective that describes the bowls, while “separately” is an adverb that describes how the ingredients should be mixed.

Using “Separately” When “Separate” Is Needed

The opposite mistake is also common, where “separately” is used when “separate” is actually needed. For example:

• Incorrect: The two companies operate separately from each other.
• Correct: The two companies operate separate from each other.

In this example, “separate” is an adjective that describes how the companies operate, while “separately” would imply that they are doing something separately.

Offering Tips To Avoid Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the difference between “separate” and “separately.” Here are some tips:

• Remember that “separate” is an adjective that describes things that are not together, while “separately” is an adverb that describes how something is done.
• If you’re unsure which one to use, try replacing it with “apart” or “individually” to see if it still makes sense.
• Proofread your writing carefully to ensure that you’re using the correct word.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words ‘separate’ and ‘separately’, context is key. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between ‘separate’ and ‘separately’ might change:

1. Adverbs Vs Adjectives

The word ‘separate’ is an adjective, while ‘separately’ is an adverb. This means that ‘separate’ is used to describe a noun, while ‘separately’ is used to modify a verb or adjective.

• Adjective: The separate rooms were perfect for our needs.
• Adverb: We were seated separately at the restaurant.

In this context, it is important to choose the correct word to ensure that the sentence is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning.

2. Collective Vs Individual

The choice between ‘separate’ and ‘separately’ can also depend on whether the emphasis is on the collective or the individual.

• Collective: The team was separated into two groups for the exercise.
• Individual: The students worked on the project separately.

In the first sentence, the focus is on the team as a whole being split into two groups. In the second sentence, the emphasis is on each student working on the project independently.

3. Physical Vs Conceptual

The words ‘separate’ and ‘separately’ can also be used to describe physical or conceptual separation.

• Physical: The fence separated the two properties.
• Conceptual: We need to separate our personal and professional lives.

In the first sentence, ‘separate’ is used to describe the physical barrier between the two properties. In the second sentence, ‘separate’ is used to describe the need to create a distinction between personal and professional aspects of life.

Overall, the choice between ‘separate’ and ‘separately’ depends on the context in which they are used. By considering the intended meaning and grammatical structure of the sentence, it is possible to choose the correct word to convey the desired message.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using separate and separately are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind.

1. Adverbial Phrases

When separate or separately are used as part of an adverbial phrase, the rules for their use can differ. In some cases, either word may be used without changing the meaning of the sentence. For example:

• The two teams were playing on separate fields.
• The two teams were playing on fields separately.

In this case, both sentences are correct and convey the same meaning. However, in other cases, using one word instead of the other can change the meaning of the sentence. For example:

• The company decided to separate the two departments.
• The company decided to separate the two departments separately.

In this case, the first sentence indicates that the company is physically separating the two departments, while the second sentence suggests that the departments will be separated in some other way, such as by different management structures or responsibilities.

2. Idiomatic Expressions

There are also some idiomatic expressions where one word is used instead of the other, regardless of the rules for their use. For example:

• The couple decided to separate.
• The couple decided to separate their finances.

In this case, the first sentence means that the couple is ending their relationship, while the second sentence means that they are dividing their financial assets.

3. Regional Differences

Finally, it’s worth noting that the rules for using separate and separately can vary depending on the region or dialect of English being used. For example, in British English, it is more common to use separately in most cases, while in American English, separate is often used instead.

Overall, while the rules for using separate and separately are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. By understanding these exceptions and their nuances, you can ensure that you are using these words correctly in your writing.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of separate and separately is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to get you started:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (separate or separately) to fill in the blank:

1. The twins always dress __________.
2. Please keep the blue and red beads __________.
3. She decided to __________ from her husband.
4. The ingredients should be mixed __________.

Answer Key:

1. separately
2. separate
3. separate
4. separately

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the following sentences using the correct form of separate or separately:

1. He put the dishes in the dishwasher.
2. She folded the clothes and put them in the drawers.
3. The company has three divisions.
4. The teacher graded the papers.

Answer Key:

1. He put the dishes in the dishwasher separately.
2. She folded the clothes and put them in the drawers separately.
3. The company has three separate divisions.
4. The teacher graded the papers separately.

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of separate and separately in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context of the sentence and choose the correct word accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proper use of “separate” and “separately” can greatly impact the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. Remember the following key takeaways:

Key Takeaways:

• Use “separate” as an adjective to describe two or more distinct things.
• Use “separately” as an adverb to describe how two or more things are done or considered.
• Avoid using “separate” as an adverb, as it is grammatically incorrect.
• Pay attention to context to determine which word is appropriate to use.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct. However, it’s important to note that grammar and language use are complex topics, and there is always more to learn. We encourage readers to continue expanding their knowledge and understanding of these subjects.